Greek mythology

Greek mythology, body of stories concerning the gods, heroes, and rituals of the ancient Greeks. That the myths contained a considerable element of fiction was recognized by the more critical Greeks, such as the philosopher Plato in the 5th–4th century bce. In general, however, in the popular piety of the Greeks, the myths were viewed as true accounts. Greek mythology has subsequently had extensive influence on the arts and literature of Western civilization, which fell heir to much of Greek culture.

Electra and Orestes killing Aegisthus in the presence of their mother, Clytemnestra; detail of a …

The Mansell Collection/Art Resource, New York

Although people of all countries, eras, and stages of civilization have developed myths that explain the existence and workings of ... (100 of 5,117 words)